People & Places: Volunteers sought for tax assistance program

MOBILE, Alabama -- HandsOn South Alabama is seeking volunteers for its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program during the 2013 tax season. Volunteers are needed to be tax coaches; pre-season trainers; site coordinators; tax preparers; and to assist in the office. To sign up, contact Brad Martin, VITA program coordinator, at bmartin@handsonsal.org or 251-433-4456, ext. 3015. Volunteers may also register online at www.handsonsal.org, keyword “VITA.”

Gov. Bentley meets first USA graduate

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley was on his way to deliver the Fall Commencement address at the University of South Alabama on Dec. 15 when he stopped for a quick lunch at the Subway at Government Boulevard and Azalea Road.While at the restaurant, Bentley by chance met the first graduate of the University, the Rev. Jim Allison. Allison, a long-time United Methodist minister in the Mobile area, is now 82 and received the first degree awarded from USA the first commencement in 1967. USA was founded by an act of Alabama Legislature in 1963 and is celebrating its 50th anniversary.As of the ceremony this month, USA has awarded 73,971 degrees throughout its history.While Bentley was involved in the first commencement of USA’s 50th anniversary year, Allison will be featured during the spring ceremony.

Reading Administrator of the Year

Marilyn Howell

Marilyn Howell, Mobile County public school system’s Supervisor of Reading and Language Arts and Metro Mobile Reading Council Administrator of the Year, was recently named Alabama Association Reading Administrator of the Year 2012.The Alabama Association is an affiliate of the International Reading Association.Elizabeth Gillespie of Metro Mobile Reading Council said of Howell: “Throughout her career, as a teacher, a principal and the Reading/Language Supervisor, Marilyn Howell has shared the best in literacy education with students, teachers, parents, administrators and the Mobile community.”Howell was honored at the Alabama Reading Association Fall Conference in Huntsville.

-- Jo Anne McKnight, Press-Register Correspondent

Student honored

Kennedy Studdard

Kennedy Studdard, a student at St. Paul’s Episcopal School, received the President’s Volunteer Service Award. The award was signed by President Barak Obama, who thanked Kennedy for her “devotion to service and for doing all that she can to shape a better tomorrow for our great Nation.”

Gymnastics champion

Destiny Baugh, 10, is a Level 5 Gymnastics State Champion. Destiny won first place All Around in her age division at the Alabama State Championships on Dec. 1 with a score of 35.575. She also won first place on floor exercise, with a score of 9.125. Destiny began taking gymnastics at the age of 3. She trains at Nasser Gymnastics Academy in Midtown, and is coached by Courtney McKnight and Sydney Laired. She was cheered on by her teammates and her mother, Monique Baugh.

Volunteers needed

Odyssey Hospice is seeking volunteers for day, evening and weekend hours to provide comfort and support for hospice patients. These volunteers are asked to provide positive support to patients and their families at a very difficult but important time in their lives.Odyssey Hospice serves the Gulf Coast area by providing palliative care to people who are diagnosed with a life threatening illness in both home care and facility settings. To volunteer, or to find out more, contact Heather Tomberlin at 251-478-9900 or heather.tomberlin@odsyhealth.com.